LTL Freight Shipping: Competitive Rates, Expert Management, Full Visibility
LTL (Less-than-Truckload) freight shipping is a transportation method where multiple shippers share space on the same truck, each paying only for the portion of the trailer their freight occupies. LTL is ideal for shipments between 80 - 15,000 pounds, typically 1 to 6 standard pallets, that don't require a dedicated truck. TLI connects shippers to a national and regional LTL carrier network through our ViewPoint TMS, delivering multi-carrier rate comparisons, freight class support, freight audit, and full contract management in one platform.
Competitive LTL Rates
Gain access to competitive LTL Rates from national and regional carriers.
Document Management
Generate bill of ladings, access proof of deliveries, and manage all your LTL shipping documents in one place.
Carrier Management
Easily manage your LTL carriers, compare rates, and optimize routes for improved performance and cost savings.
LTL Services
TLI optimizes shipping modes, audits invoices, and manages freight claims to reduce costs.
ViewPoint TMS
One system for all your shipments - easily schedule shipments, compare LTL rates, and access tracking and cost analysis.
Contract Management
Let TLI manage your LTL carrier contracts to secure better shipping rates and terms, saving you time and money.
LTL Quote
TLI provides freight management services for commercial businesses with recurring shipping needs. We do not support one-time shipments or individual, personal shipping requests.
What is LTL Freight Shipping
Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping consolidates smaller freight from multiple shippers into a single trailer. Each shipper's freight is loaded, unloaded, and transferred at carrier freight terminals (called service centers) along the route. This process is commonly known as hub-and-spoke distribution. This model allows smaller businesses and manufacturers to access the same carrier network and service reliability as large-volume shippers, without paying for an entire truck.
LTL is distinct from full truckload (FTL) shipping, where a single shipper's freight occupies the entire trailer, and from parcel shipping, which handles small packages rather than palletized freight. LTL freight is priced based on weight, freight class (determined by density, handling difficulty, and liability), distance, and applicable accessorial charges.
How Less-than-Truckload Shipping Works
- Shipment Preparation: The shipper palletizes, packages, and labels their freight with a Bill of Lading (BOL) that includes commodity description, weight, and NMFC®* freight class
- Pickup: The LTL carrier dispatches a local driver to collect the freight and transport it to the nearest service center
- Line-Haul: The consolidated load moves via long-haul truck to the destination region's service center. The freight may go through multiple terminals along the way.
- Delivery: The destination terminal loads the freight onto a delivery trailer for a local driver to deliver it
Because LTL freight is handled multiple times (pickup, terminal, line-haul, delivery), proper packaging and accurate freight class are critical to avoiding damages and billing disputes.
TLI's LTL Freight Program
- Multi-Carrier LTL Rate Quoting Via ViewPoint: compare national and regional carriers side by side in real time
- Freight Classification Support: TLI's team reviews commodity descriptions and assists with accurate class assignment to prevent reclassification disputes
- LTL Contract Management: TLI negotiates and manages blanket LTL pricing agreements and point-to-point contracts on behalf of shippers
- LTL Freight Audit: every LTL invoice is audited against the contract rate to catch overcharges, reweigh disputes, and accessorial billing errors
- Freight Claim Management: TLI files and manages LTL freight claims from damage or loss through carrier resolution services
- Carrier Performance Scorecards: Track on-time pickup/delivery, claim rates, and damage rates to optimize routing decisions
- ERP Integration: ViewPoint integrates with major ERP systems so LTL shipment data flows automatically into your operations platforms
LTL vs FTL: Which Mode is Right For Your Freight
| Factor | LTL (Less-than-Truckload) | FTL (Full Truckload) |
|---|---|---|
| Shipment Size | 80 lbs – 15,000 lbs / 1–6 pallets | 15,000 lbs+ / 6+ pallets or any size requiring dedicated truck |
| Cost Structure | Pay for space used only | Pay for the entire truck regardless of fill level |
| Transit Time | Longer — multiple stops and terminal transfers | Faster — direct pickup to delivery |
| Freight Handling | Multiple touches — higher damage risk for fragile freight | Single touch — lower damage risk |
| Ideal Use Cases | Regular B2B replenishment, manufacturing components, distribution shipments | Time-sensitive, high-value, oversized, or full pallet loads |
| Tracking | API/EDI Tracking through TMS System | Macro-point / EDI Capabilities |
Common LTL Accessorial Charges and How to Avoid Them
| Accessorial | Triggered By | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Liftgate at Pickup/Delivery | Location without a dock | Confirm dock availability before booking |
| Residential Delivery | Delivery to non-commercial address | Ship to a commercial address or freight terminal when possible |
| Inside Delivery | Carrier is required to move freight inside past dock | Clarify delivery scope in advance |
| Re-Delivery | Consignee is unavailable for delivery on attempt at no fault of carrier | Ensure delivery notification contacts are current |
| Reweigh/Reclassification | Freight weight or class differs from BOL | Use TLI's density calculator and accurate NMFC classification |
| Limited Access | Special Locations (schools, military bases, churches, farms) | Flag in advance; TLI pre-screens for accessorials |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum weight for LTL Freight?
Most LTL carriers require a minimum of 150–500 pounds, though the practical minimum for cost-effective LTL is approximately 80–100 pounds for a single pallet. Shipments under 150 pounds are often more economically handled as small parcel.
How is LTL Freight Class Determined?
LTL freight class is determined by the NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification)® system, managed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). Class is assigned based on four characteristics: density (weight per cubic foot), stowability, ease of handling, and liability. Classes range from 50 (lowest cost, highest density freight like steel) to 500 (highest cost, lowest density or fragile freight).
How Long Does LTL Shipping Take?
Transit time varies by origin-destination pair and carrier. Regional LTL shipments typically deliver in 1–3 business days. Cross-country LTL can take 5–7 business days. TLI's ViewPoint TMS displays carrier-specific transit times at the point of quoting.
How do I get an LTL Freight Quote from TLI?
You can quote LTL shipments directly through TLI's ViewPoint TMS portal, email Quotes@shiptli.com, or call 610.280.3210. Standard LTL quotes are returned within minutes.
Can TLI Handle LTL Shipments with Hazmat Freight?
Yes. TLI has a specialized hazmat freight brokerage team that routes DOT-regulated dangerous goods via compliant carriers and ensures proper documentation across all hazard classes.
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Acknowledgment of NMFTA's Trademark
Whenever our educational content refers to the National Motor Freight Classification, we want readers to understand that the term NMFC is a registered trademark of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). Our goal is to provide helpful industry education while also respecting the intellectual property rights of the NMFTA. Whenever we discuss topics related to freight classification, density, or commodity groupings, we recognize that NMFC identifies the official classification standard maintained and licensed by the NMFTA.
NMFTA is the owner of the National Motor Freight Classification®, more commonly known as the NMFC® (“NMFC”).